Self affirmations are sayings or phrases that you can read, write down, or say to yourself to remind you of a certain feeling or thought. If you’re feeling sick, tired, negative, worried, stressed? Affirmations are a way to gently bring you back to the present and change the mindset you’re currently in.

Never tried one before? This is a great time to start.

Whether you’re battling negative self-image, recovering from a break-up, or going through a hard time in your life, these self affirmations are reminders to be kind to yourself, calm the swirling thoughts, and just breathe.

So repeat after me:

Many of us say, at one time or another, “I feel like a failure.” But just because you feel a certain way doesn’t make it true. If you’re struggling with something, maybe getting a new job, or being a first-time mom, just remember that you’re doing your best, and you’re allowed to be imperfect and to not get everything right all the time.

This one can sound cliché, but it’s popular for a reason. It’s simple, but a great reminder that whatever you are feeling in a certain moment, or whatever you are going through, will not stay with you forever.

This one is my personal favorite, and something I say when the day has gotten away from me, I’m struggling with my workload, and feeling like I just can’t get anything right. Take a deep breath, and say this to yourself, as many times as you need to, until you start believing it. Because eventually, you will be okay.

How many times have you felt like you didn’t measure up? Maybe a loved one made you feel bad by comparison, or a friend or co-worker said something to make you feel that you weren’t quite good enough. But you are. And you don’t need to change anything to make anyone else happy.

We all have our body image issues. But once you stop judging yourself in the mirror, stop using the scale, and start basing your happiness on how your body feels, instead of how it looks, you’ll feel so much happier. Strong, limber, graceful, etc.; these are the best buzz words for describing your body.

It’s natural to feel like we’re in competition with people, constantly trying to prove that we are better than those around us. But why? It takes up so much energy that could be used in more positive ways. Focus on you, and others can accept you for who you are.

It can feel like you are, especially when life has you down. But there is always somebody out there, or even a community out there, who is there to support, love, and accept you. You just have to keep looking.

Related: 8 Ways To Boost Your Daily Self Love

Sometimes we start to feel as though we aren’t worth loving, that our flaws are too many and our faults are too great. If you don’t have someone telling you daily, it’s time to start telling yourself.

This affirmation helps you see life a little differently. What if success wasn’t the destination, but the journey? Your ability to fail but still try again? It’s only failure if you don’t keep going.

And anyone who treats/tells you otherwise is a negative influence that you don’t need in your life (and if it’s your own thoughts, this affirmation is a good way to change them).

Most things in life are out of our control. Learn to roll with the punches, and you’ll feel less panicked every time something doesn’t go to plan.

Start saying this before speeches, presentations, asking for a raise; anything that is important to you. If you can believe in yourself, you’ll start caring a lot less what others think of you, and your confidence will grow.

When it seems like nothing is going right in your life, and bad news strikes again, take a moment to say this to yourself. It’s about having faith that everything will work out in the end, and choosing to focus on the future instead of the rocky present.

I for one am guilty of waiting for tomorrow, next week, or a year from now to make myself happy. But things and events shouldn’t be the basis for our happiness, and in waiting for the good stuff to begin I miss the positive things I already have in my life. So, I choose to be happy today, in this moment, and this affirmation is a good reminder of that.

Related: 8 Insulting Things No One Is Allowed To Say To You

Featured image lingerie:

Parfait Aline T-Shirt Bra P5251 in Black

Do you have any affirmations you use? Share your favorites with us!

This may seem easy to some, but to others letting your freak flag fly is not something that comes naturally. Maybe you’re afraid of judgement. Or appearing odd. Or even of losing friends. But if you aren’t living your life as your most authentic self, then you’re missing out. And being authentic means not hiding who you are, even if you think that your habits or your hobbies aren’t the norm. Here’s why you should embrace the true you: 

Normal is boring

So you’re weird. Or maybe your hobbies are. But that collection of antique dolls or old books makes you far more interesting than the person next to you. And people would rather talk to someone that has interests, knows what they want, and can enjoy life. Because normal is so boring.

There’s only one you

Why would you want to hide who you are, when in reality, the real you is incredible? Let people get to know your quirks and oddities, and you’ll find they’ll grow to love them (and you) all the more for them. Hiding is just depriving the world of more sparkle.

Life is short

So why spend time not being you? Pretending to be someone else is tiring and dull. Embracing yourself will help you embrace life.

Seek common interests

There are others out there just like you, but how are you going to find other weird and wonderful people if you don’t show them who you are? If one of you doesn’t have the courage, then you’ll have trouble finding each other, and that would rob you of some really cool adventures together.

Confidence is key

It’s also sexy, and exciting, and the key to happiness. If you aren’t confident in your own skin, then it’s really hard to be happy. Confidence attracts people, so be yourself and be amazed at how many people start to open up to you.

Being you is the best

If you’re constantly trying to change or hide who you are, then you’ll never really be happy, and others will struggle to be happy around you too. Think about it: someone who constantly complains about themselves is really hard to have a conversation with. When you start loving yourself, it shows. Loving and embracing the real you will lead to others loving and embracing you too.

Not everyone will understand your quirks, but the great thing is they don’t have to. They just have to go on loving you for you. And if they don’t, that’s their loss, not yours. So embrace your weird and beautiful self, because this is your time to shine.

Credit: Stocksnap

What makes you wonderfully weird? Share with us in the comments below!

So often, New Year’s Resolutions are about what we need to give up: alcohol, caffeine, junk food, soda. Or, the focus is on what we need to do more of: eat more veggies, do more exercise, etc. We highlight our bad habits, and make everything a chore. It’s no wonder most resolutions don’t last through January! Instead, choose to make the next year about being kind to yourself. Here are ten resolutions that focus on positive vibes, for your body, your mind, and your life.

1.  Get more sleep

I truly believe that there is nothing a good sleep can’t fix (at least, when it comes to your mood and energy levels). We all know that lack of sleep makes us cranky and short-tempered, and ruins our concentration. But over time it can also mess with your body’s ability to deal with stress, weaken your immune system, and your overall wellbeing. Some of us can survive on only a few hours sleep, but why survive when you can thrive? Try turning in a little earlier each night until you can reach seven (preferably eight) hours of sleep per night. Your body will thank you. Need help? Here are four ways to get a better nights sleep.

2.  Drink more water

This may be another obvious one, but most of us are fueling our bodies with caffeine, sugar, and adrenaline, instead of the good stuff: H2O. I’m not saying I don’t have a mug or three of tea in the morning, but I also know that I have to up my water intake if I want to have less headaches, more energy, and better concentration. This is doubly important if you love exercise! Why not make drinking water fun? Try an app that reminds you to drink more, or a water bottle that records how much you’ve had to drink (either by technology or good old fashioned lines).

3.  Move more

I’m not saying you have to fall in love with running if you’ve loathed it all you life (I can relate). But there is much more to exercise than running on a track or treadmill. From DVDs and YouTube videos to classes and trainers, there is so much out there to explore. Don’t punish yourself at the gym if you know that membership will be wasted – try walking around your neighborhood, or simply taking the stairs at work instead of the elevator. It’s about finding something that works for you and makes you happy. Because loving your body is a journey, and it’s really hard to enjoy the ride if you hate getting up every morning because you dread the gym.

4.  Practice gratitude

When was the last time you paused for a moment and thought about all the little things in life you’re grateful for? And I don’t just mean hot coffee in the morning and long weekends. Most of us don’t take the time to stop and enjoy the little things, because we’re so busy rushing from one activity to the next. Try ending each day or week by writing down one thing you’re thankful for. By the end of the year, you’ll have a handful of reasons to feel grateful, and your outlook will have changed for the better.

Related Post: 6 Ways To Maximize The Positives In Your Life

5.  Think positive

Some of us have a little voice in our heads that tells us all the things we’re doing wrong. It’s not our conscience (at least most of the time), it’s our own negative self-talk that’s eating away at our confidence, telling us what we can and can’t do. The way we think really does make a difference, because our thoughts become our reality. Try to catch yourself the next time you have negative thoughts, and change the dialogue to something positive. For example, instead of “I always make mistakes,” try “It’s natural to make mistakes, it’s a part of life, and it just means I’m trying hard to accomplish something.” Practice thinking positively, and eventually positivity will be second nature.

6.  Give back

Volunteering is one of the best ways to empower yourself by empowering others. Selfishly, it also feels good to help out, all while you meet new people, expand your network, and make an impact on people’s lives. Whether you volunteer to walk shelter dogs, host bake sales, or walk for a cause, it’s all about stepping outside of your day-to-day and doing some good in your corner of the world.

7.  Make time for you

I don’t know about you, but I’m often guilty of putting other people’s needs before my own. In doing so, I sacrifice sleep, exercise, and peace of mind. While it isn’t always possible to say no to others (your kids, for example) sometimes you have to put the brakes on and take some time for yourself. Take a nap, do some gentle yoga, take a few minutes to just breathe. Sometimes it really is all about you, and that’s okay. You can’t pour from an empty glass, so it’s important to look after yourself.

8.  Try something new

For once, don’t look, just leap. Sign up for the dance class you’ve had your eye on. Buy that ukulele and learn how to play it from YouTube videos. Take that cooking class you’ve always wanted to try. Be spontaneous, get a new hobby, go out and meet some new friends. Being brave and making waves will boost your confidence and empower you to make more changes in your life. It’s never to late to embrace change.

Making small changes that make you feel good, instead of guilty, will help you keep that feeling of happiness well past January and on into the new year. Rules are meant to be broken, but resolutions that are good for you will be a lot easier to keep.

Related Post: 10 Incredible Books That Inspire Life Changes

Featured image lingerie:

Parfait Charlotte Padded Bra 6901 | Parfait Charlotte Bikini 6905 in Floral Shimmer

What are your resolutions for the new year?

As we get older our hormones and the shape of our bodies fluctuate, which can be very inconvenient when trying to find a comfortable bra that fits. The sizes change from store to store, styles can make you have to go up or down a size, or changes in your body can make you gain or lose a cup size. With all of this madness to contend with, it’s no wonder women struggle to find bras that fit. But beyond the comfort factor, did you know that wearing the wrong bra size can actually hurt your health?

Here are five ways an ill-fitting bra can cause discomfort and negatively impact your health: 

Neck and back pain are a common symptom of an ill-fitting bra.

It usually means that your breasts aren’t getting the support they need, so your neck and back are paying the price. Choosing bras with more coverage, sturdy bands and thicker straps can combat this problem. Also, make sure that your bra straps aren’t digging into your shoulders, as that’s another sign that your straps are doing all the work and your bra isn’t supportive enough (again, wider straps).

If the underwire is digging into your ribs, chances are your bra doesn’t fit you properly.

Bras are meant to support you, not cause you physical pain. It could be that the cups fit poorly, that your band is too tight, or the bra simply isn’t a good fit for your body shape. If you can (comfortably), try bras with no underwire. If you can’t, try on a few bras to see what styles don’t pinch your rib cage.

Tight bras can restrict blood flow.

Just as with any tight clothing compressing your skin, tight straps, bands, cups, and underwire can all contribute to a lack of circulation, leaving indents in the skin and you feeling uncomfortable. If you have to adjust the straps and band so much because they are leaving red welts on your skin, chances are you need a new, fitted bra.

Lymph nodes around the breasts can be damaged by ill-fitting bras.

If your bra is too tight, it doesn’t allow the lymphatic system – which helps your body get rid of toxins – to work properly and drain fluid from around the lymph nodes in your breasts. This can cause your breasts to feel swollen and tender. Solution? Loosen up the band, and make sure your cups aren’t digging into your breast tissue.

Poorly fitted bras can lead to bad posture.

This goes hand in hand with the neck and back pain I mentioned earlier. Basically, if you’re top heavy and the support isn’t being distributed evenly by a bra that fits, you’re more likely to hunch your shoulders and stoop, leading to bad (and painful) posture changes.

Remember, the best way to find a bra that suits you is to try it on. Make sure the cups fit (no room but no overflowing either), that the band sits comfortably along your ribcage and doesn’t ride up, and that the straps stay up and don’t dig in.

Related Post: 4 Ways A Poor Fitting Bra Is Killing Your Confidence

We Highly Recommend

Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy bra shopping!

What are your bra struggles? Have you ever been fitted for a bra? Let us know in the comments below!

Have you ever looked back on a conversation and wished it could have gone smoother? Or tried to have a difficult conversation and found it hard to express yourself properly? I’m sure we all have those moments, but there are a few tips and tricks that can help you navigate your way through almost any social situation.

Actively Listen

This is really important when it comes to creating a connection with someone. If you’re too worried about what you’ll say next that you stop listening, or worse, you’re just waiting for your turn to speak, your audience will sense your inattention (think: glazed over eyes or not nodding alone with the conversation). Practice active listening, make good eye contact, and you’ll see a remarkable difference in the way people connect with you through conversation.

Ask open ended questions

Making small talk, or trying to get to know someone new? The worst thing you can do is ask a question that can be easily answered by a “yes” or “no”, as it doesn’t encourage further dialogue. Instead, ask questions that make them think or explain in further detail. For example, “Why is that important to you?”, “How did you do that?” and “How does that make you feel?” are all great open ended questions that will prompt longer answers, giving you more insight and a chance to reply.

Try to avoid saying “but”

Responding to someone with the word “But…” immediately puts them on the defensive, making it harder for you to reach an agreement. The best way to deal with a difference of opinion is to initially agree with the person and then try to move the conversation along. It’s not deceptive, it just shows that you’re willing to work with them even if the ask is difficult. Instead of disagreeing, an example response would be, “Yes, I’m happy to work towards that deadline, and I’ll circle back with my team/supervisor to make sure we have the necessary resource to get it done.” That way you’ve answered favorably and ended the discussion on a positive note.

Respond, don’t react

A reaction is an emotional reply, whereas a response is a thoughtful one. Responding can help you keep the tone of the conversation positive, and often lets you take a moment to consider the situation and the other person’s point of view. Reacting (or overreacting) is often impulsive, based on an emotional outburst, which can lead to miscommunication or lack of action. Basically, it’s best not to focus on the problems, but find solutions for them instead.

Use “us” and “we” instead of “you”

When you’re having a difficult conversation it’s always best to avoid pointing fingers and signaling people out. Instead, avoid directing blame and using the word “you” in favor of more neutral terms like “we” or “us”. For example, if you’re talking a about a missed deadline, instead of jumping straight to accusations, you could say instead “What can we do to move this project forward?” or “Our team is really busy, but is there something we can do to avoid being rushed in the future?” Essentially sharing the blame (and responsibility) keeps the tone positive and invites open conversation instead of resentment.

Delegating

You may be superwoman, but even heroes need help sometimes. Feel guilty delegating? Or maybe you don’t trust the work will be done on time? Avoid miscommunication by using concise language, avoiding phrases like “soon” or “if possible” and instead giving a clear demand: you know they are busy but you need their help, there is a clear deadline and if they can’t meet it then they need to let you know well before the date/time you’ve set. The demand isn’t too vague, and you’re not left high and dry without the work you asked for.

All of these examples can be used in both your professional and personal life. Whether you’re trying to negotiate a sale, a raise, or a girls night out, clear communication is one of the best tools you can have in your arsenal.

If you’re anything like me, you have a bag for every occasion, most of which you sling over your shoulder and stuff full of life’s “necessities”. Spare clothes, shoes, makeup, planner, snacks: it’s a bottomless pit in there, even with smaller bags. But did you know that your heavy purse could be responsible for your back pain? Shoulders and necks can be affected too. Feeling sore, stiff, or achy in any of these areas? You might need to downsize your purse if:

You’re experiencing pain or aches your neck, shoulder, or back.

Over time, you may find your dominant side overcompensating, leaving you underdeveloped on your weaker side. You may even lean towards your bag-carrying side! Definitely not good, as this throws your alignment off and can cause pain in both shoulders, the neck, and the back.

You might notice you walk funny.

This might not be something you notice straight away, but toting a heavy bag around over one shoulder ruins our balance and can even change our gait, causing one leg to take longer strides to compensate.

You get painful tension headaches.

Constantly tensing and straining your muscles causes tension to radiate across your shoulders and up into your neck, giving you one hell of a tension headache.

You sometimes have numbness or tingling in your arm(s).

This goes back to the issue of tension, but the extra weight on your arm can also put pressure on your circulation and nerve endings causing you to feel numbness and/or tingling down your dominant arm.

You have problems lifting your bag.

This is an obvious sign that your bag is way too heavy. If it’s too heavy to lift, then it’s too heavy to carry. Start re-thinking what items you really need to have stashed away in your bag, and/or switch to a backpack so the weight is distributed evenly across both shoulders (which still might hurt your back if the weight is too much).

I wouldn’t dream of going out without my essentials, but I’ve cut the items down enough that they fit into a small, lightweight purse that forces me to re-think what I’ll need for the day (and if I’m careful, I can even fit a book in there!)

Are you downsizing your bag too? Let us know in the comments below!

Bras should be your best friends. They support you, lift you up, and splurging on a gorgeous bra (or two) can make you feel like a million bucks. But if you’re wearing the wrong size, bra shopping can be a nightmare. The cups are too big or too small. The waistband hikes up or is too tight. The straps don’t stay up or leave indents on your skin. You need help. And the best way to get it? Visit a professional that knows how to fit you for a bra.

What is a bra fitting?

A bra fitting is when a professional working for a retail establishment takes your measurements. They measure across and under your breasts to calculate band and cup size, respectively. You can keep your bra or t-shirt on if you’re uncomfortable stripping down, but these experts are usually good at making you feel comfortable and at ease.

How will it help me?

Not only can you now shop with relative ease, knowing what size you should be aiming for based on your measurements (and not guesswork), but a professional fitter is knowledgeable and can help you find styles that will compliment your shape and size, give you support, and fit your breasts – no more gaping or spilling over!

When is a good time to get fitted?

If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort when wearing your bra, it’s a good time to get fitted for a new one. Other signs you should get a new bra include: cups gaping, you’re spilling out of the cups, the band is riding up or digging in, the straps are falling down or making indents in your shoulders, the underwire is painful, the elasticity is starting to go, or wires are popping out (ouch). It is also a good idea if your weight has fluctuated, you’ve become pregnant, or recently had a child, because these will cause size changes and definitely necessitate a new bra.

Once you find a brand, style, and size that fit, you’ll be amazed at how much more comfortable you’ll be in your bras. It is still a good idea to try on bras even if they are in your size, as different styles and brands can really change the comfort level of a bra. Also, the level of padding is something to take into account too. But once you’ve been fitted for a bra, you’ll wonder why you waited so long to find out your perfect size.

Related Post: 7 Signs You Are Wearing The Wrong Bra Size

We Highly Recommend

Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy bra shopping!

Have you ever reached mid-morning and felt like that day had already gotten away from you? Somehow all your carefully laid plans have fallen apart, and you’re rushing like mad to get everything done. Sometimes, this is inevitable: life happens. Other times, it because we’re saying yes to too much and letting everything pile up.

Here are seven good reasons to say no: 

1.  Saying yes might ruin your day

This might sound dramatic, but when you have a crazy busy day, one more thing really can push you to the limit. If you’re one of those people who overcommits, then learning to say no means your waking hours will be a little less stressful.

2.  Saying yes can make you feel overwhelmed

You have a million and one things to do, but none of them seem appealing just now. You put them off, deciding to binge watch that new Netflix show you’ve had your eye on. Suddenly, everything is due the next day, or that appointment is an hour away and you have no idea where you’re going (guilty). Stop procrastinating and get the boring or tedious stuff out of the way so you can truly commit yourself to the good stuff (like family time).

3.  Saying yes could add to your stress

Running from one appointment to the next, putting out fires at work, and working with an ever growing to-do list: sound familiar? Bouncing around from one thing to the next, it’s no wonder our bodies are so used to running on the stress hormone cortisol. The more stressed we get, the more our bodies produce, but if we never truly relax, the hormone doesn’t leave the body. Learn to let go and slow down every once in a while, and say no to commitments you know are just going to stress you out.

4.  Saying yes might make you lose focus

Saying “yes” at the time might seem harmless, but when you’re neck deep in a project, splitting your focus means it will take you twice as long to accomplish your goal(s). We might be able to multitask to a certain degree, but after a while it can get a little ridiculous juggling multiple things, and eventually you will drop the ball. Postpone, say no, and keep the focus where it needs to be. You’ll actually get more done this way than if you multitask!

5.  Saying yes won’t lose you respect with your coworkers

In the past, I’ve said yes to projects I knew I didn’t have time for because saying “no” seemed like I was admitting defeat. Being busy (or seeming to be busy) at work is important, and knowing your workload is ridiculous but still being able to smash through it seems like an awesome (and praise worthy) feat. But if you’re worried about all the projects you have to get done, with deadlines and expectations to meet, inevitably the quality of work will suffer as the quantity of work multiplies. Saying “no” to new projects while you finish old ones isn’t defeat, it just means you know how to prioritize your time.

6.  Saying yes could make you forget

Have you ever had so much to get done that you actually forgot something really important you needed to do? That extra practice for your kids, the groceries, dinner date you had planned. Yes, planners and calendars are there for this reason exactly, but even with my day carefully planned out, if I’m rushing from one thing to the next, inevitably I will forget to do something, however minor, in my day. Prioritize your day, say no to the extra frills, and you’ll forget less and get more done.

7.  Saying yes can affect your sleep

As someone who often lays awake at night thinking about all the things I need to accomplish the next day, I can attest to the fact that an overloaded to-do list will significantly impact your ability to get a good night’s sleep. Even when I keep a pen and notepad by my bed to write reminders down, I am waking myself up the more I do this, as I try and remember all of the things I need to get done. Doing this before climbing into bed is a good strategy to avoid this, but so is saying “no” to projects or commitments that will give me sleepless nights. If you know you’re going to be losing sleep over something, and it isn’t life or death, think about your beauty sleep and say no.

Saying no to people, especially colleagues, a spouse, or your kids, can seem really difficult, but with practice, you’ll be able to wrestle some of your precious time back. Then you can dedicate quality time with them when you’re not so stressed and struggling with an overburdened to-do list, which will make for a healthier, happier you.

The 90’s were a decade of odd trends, incredible book series, and great boybands. There’s a lot of nostalgia for the tv shows of this decade, with their lovable characters and great morals. There are also a lot of toys that lived and died in this decade, but are still memorable to this day. Travel back with me as I fondly remember the days of my youth, with these 10 things you’ll instantly remember if you grew up in the 90’s.

1.  Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Credit: Bloomsbury Publishing

This now iconic book (known as the “Sorcerer’s Stone” in the U.S.) was followed by six other books, a movie series, spin-offs, a screenplay, and oh yes, an entire theme park that has become a destination for fans around the world.

2.  The Tamagotchi

Credit: Flickr/Lisa_Ann86

This may have been your first pet, even if it was digital. Who could forget trying to smuggle your tamagotchi into school to try and keep it ‘alive’?

3.  Power Rangers

Credit: Movie Pilot

Whether you loved of hated this 90’s tv series, you know the colors of the rangers by heart. Even though they never failed to defeat whatever alien monsters were thrown at them, the teenager drama was still worth watching.

4.  Slap bracelets

Credit: Amazon (Yes, you can still buy these!)

Weapon or accessory? Slap bracelets were a little bit of both. A thin pieces of metal covered in fabric, these bracelets that slap on and off the wrist were the fidget spinners of the 90’s. As the New York Times said when they were first released, the slap bracelet “is basically a Venetian blind with an attitude.”

5.  Titanic

Credit: IMDB

I don’t know about you, but I’ve never fully recovered from seeing James Cameron’s timeless masterpiece. Released in 1997, the film was number one at the U.S. box office for a record fifteen consecutive weeks, and was the most expensive movie to be filmed in the 20th century, costing $200,000,000.

6.  Nintendo 64

Credit: Amazon

This is still the only piece of technology that you can literally fix by switching on and off, or cleaning the game cubes by gently blowing dust and grime away. These were much simpler times.

7.  Fresh Prince

Credit: McSweeney’s

If you don’t know the words to the tv’s opening theme song, I’m not sure you owned a television in your youth. Simply uttering the words “In West Philadelphia…” usually starts an epic sing-a-long.

8.  Jurassic Park

Credit: IMDB

As my favorite film, this had to make the list. The trilogy, and subsequent spin-off Jurassic World, are beloved by fans old and new. Plus, Jeff Goldblum never looked so good, surrounded by the Costa Rican jungle and dinosaurs.

9.  AOL Instant Messenger

Credit: iDrop News

Released in the late 90’s and surviving well into the 2000’s, AIM was the way to communicate with your peers after school. Cute sign-in names and status updates were a must.

10. Friends

Credit: TV Series Finale

Can you believe this show started in the 90’s? Ten seasons, most of which are still aired
regularly today, with our favorite six neighbors, spanning a decade of television and earning a
permanent place in our hearts.

{Editor’s Note: This blog post is not sponsored by any of the brands or businesses mentioned in this post.}

Kids always seem to be hungry. Whether they’re pointing at the pantry every five minutes, banging on the fridge door, or have mastered the word “snack”, feeding kids between meals becomes a game of trial and error. Do you give them something fast and unhealthy, just to save time? Or do you make them wait so you can whip up something more substantial that might hold them over until dinner? I’ve found a happy medium with these eight healthy snacks that are quick to prep, make, and eat, and won’t spoil your kid’s appetite!

1.  Peanut butter, banana, and honey roll-ups

Credit: Nutrition Expert

This recipe uses flatbread instead of a tortilla wrap like you might expect, but the result is still a tasty, sweet snack your kids will love. Simply spread some peanut butter on one side of the flatbread, fill the space with slices of banana, and drizzle honey on top. Roll up, cut up, and enjoy!

2.  Mango “nice” cream

Credit: Super Healthy Kids

I’ve made strawberry frozen yogurt before, and it’s healthy, delicious, and dairy free. And because it’s homemade, you know exactly what’s in it, and that means no added sugars, weird colors or flavors. Simply throw chunks of frozen mango in a blender or food processor with some bananas (and a dash of soy or almond milk if you like) for creamy, mango “nice” cream.

3.  Fruit kebobs

Credit: By Stephanie Lynn

Quick, easy, and healthy, the hardest thing you’ll have to do is pick what fruit you want to use on the kebob! Chop up your selection of fruit into bite sized pieces, and arrange them on a kebob stick to create a colorful rainbow of fruit. Melon, pineapple, strawberries, bananas, and kiwi offer a great colorful range with different flavors and textures.

4.  Frozen yogurt bites

Credit: Eating On A Dime

There a few ways to enjoy frozen yogurt, including just freezing yogurt tubes, or making frozen yogurt pops by putting yogurt into popsicle trays (or pudding pops). This recipe creates multi-colored mini bites that are an easy, sweet snack, with little to no prep time that you can pull out of the freezer for an on-the-go snack. All you have to do is spoon little dots of yogurt onto a tray covered in wax paper and pop the tray in the freezer. When the bites are properly frozen, put them in snack-sized sandwich bags for later.

5.  Lunch kebobs

Credit: Little Dairy On The Prairie

Another colorful kebob variation, this time using ham, cheese, and cherry tomatoes. You can easily use other lunch meats, like turkey, or other cheeses, like edam, depending on what your kids like. You could even use chunks of cucumber if your kids don’t like tomatoes. Simply alternate slices of lunch meat and cheese chunks on the kebob stick or toothpick, and top each end with a cherry tomato.

6.  Easy apple chips

Credit: Paleo Leap

These are easy to make, store, and bring out when your kids are getting peckish and you want them to eat something healthy that doesn’t take a lot of prep time. The best thing about this recipe is it is designed for kids in mind – they can throw the apple slices into a bowl to get covered in the cinnamon sugar and place them on the baking sheet all by themselves. All you have to do is handle the oven.

7.  Snack mix

Credit: Julie’s Eats & Treats

Snack mix (or trail mix) is a genius way to throw a bunch of different healthy and healthy-ish edibles together in one bag and sneakily get your kid to eat some protein and fiber. This recipe in particular is great for the last little bits of cereal left in the bag! It uses Cheerios, salted peanuts, m&m’s, peanut butter chips and chocolate chips. Simply combine in a sandwich bag and voila! Or if you want a slightly healthier version (less chocolate, more fiber) check out this Toddler Trail Mix recipe.

8.  Coconut popcorn

Credit: Jen’s Favorite Cookies

I am in love with coconut popcorn. It’s a sweet alternative to the bags you can buy in supermarkets, and you can quickly make it at home in a batch, eat some now and save some for later (if you have the willpower, which I usually don’t). My own recipe is already on the blog, but you could easily make this snack with olive oil instead and sprinkle with cheese for a more savory popcorn alternative or with “strawberry dust” for a fun pink snack.

What are your favorite snacks to feed your kids between meal times?